Jesus is the King of Kings

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Jesus is the King of kings”? I immediately think of Handel’s Hallelujah chorus- the swelling voices proclaiming “King of Kings! Lord of Lords!” Where is this grand description of Jesus in the Bible? And what challenges do we face as daughters of the King of kings?

Kings in the Bible

God had a plan in place for the Israelites to be ruled by Judges in the Old Testament; their only King was God. 

Even with the love and guidance of the great King of the Universe, the Israelites were not satisfied. And in the time of the Judges, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25.

They were not content with God as their only ruler. Nor were they willing to wait for God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the promised Messianic King. 

They wanted to be like all the nations around them and demanded an earthly King, rejecting God, His rules, and forgetting about all His provisions and protections in the past. 

What did God think of this plan? 

Here’s what He told Samuel:

“Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king… Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do… Listen to them and give them a king.” 1 Samuel 8:7,9,22.

He allowed the people of Israel to rebel against Him (as He does the same for us today.)

King of Kings Meaning

The Biblical definition of a king differs greatly from earthly rulers.

“King of Kings” is a name ascribed to God and Jesus as one who is the ruler over all other kings. It speaks of absolute supremacy and command.

Many Old Testament writers proclaimed God as the sovereign ruler of the universe; a supreme ruler and possessing ultimate power.

In fact, some Jewish prayers of thanks begin with the phrase, “Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe…”

King David prayed the following to give thanks and praise to the greatness of God as King of the entire universe!

1 Chronicles 29:10-12

“Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and on earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” (NKJV)

Daniel had many dreams and visions. Here is one depicting the true King, Jesus:

Daniel 7:13-14

“There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Jesus as King 

There are many Bible verses about Jesus as King. Here are some of the Scriptures from the Old Testament that prophesy Christ Jesus as our coming King and from the New Testament as Jesus lived out His earthly ministry as a rejected King.

●Jeremiah 23:5

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ESV

●Micah 5:2 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. ESV

●Isaiah 9:6-7

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace… He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

The royal Son of God is born, with all the attributes of a perfect King! He will reign eternal over the kingdom of God and the Kingdom of heaven (everything!)

●Luke 1:32-33

God blessed Mary with the honor of mother of our Savior Jesus Christ. He sent an angel to proclaim,

“The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

The term “throne of David” shows Jesus rightfully inherited this everlasting throne by His genetic lineage.

●John 12:13

The Israelites were anxiously awaiting their coming King- their Messiah, who they believed would overcome their enemies (Rome) and create God’s kingdom on earth. 

The gospel of John describes the Passover crowd welcoming King Jesus into Jerusalem, waving palm branches and proclaiming:

“Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Unfortunately, they didn’t understand His kingdom would be a spiritual one. Days later, they would cry out for His crucifixion.

●Matthew 21:5

Matthew describes Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9–

“Say to the Daughter of Zion ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 

Jesus courageously arrives on a foal in a grand public display of His Kingship, knowing full well what was ahead of Him.

●Philippians 2:10-11

Paul describes Jesus in this way:

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

All people will eventually acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, the King of all Kings!

●Revelation 1:5

And from John’s greetings to the churches in the book of Revelation:

“Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” 

Jesus, King of the Jews

The  chief priests, religious leaders, and Jewish people did not describe Jesus as a King, but we see the wise men calling Him by this title:

“Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” Matthew 2:2.

Pontius Pilate questions Jesus and asks Him if He is a King to which Jesus replies, “You are right in saying I am a King.” (John 18:37)

Pilate asks the Jews if they want him to release “the King of the Jews” as part of the Passover custom, but they chose a murderer instead. They pressure Pilate by claiming he would be a traitor to Caesar if he allows Jesus to go free. 

Caesar brings Jesus out later and says, “Here is your King… Should I crucify your King?” (John 19:14-15) In response, they shout for His crucifixion.

Citing blasphemy as their charge against Jesus, the Jews then commit true blasphemy by answering, “We have no king but Caesar.” John 19:15. They pretended allegiance to Rome (who they despised) and rejected their own long-awaited Messiah.

Pilate relents to Jesus’ crucifixion out of fear of losing his job, but in defiance to the Jews, used the words “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” on the sign posted on the cross. 

Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Prophecy pointed to Jesus as King; His birth, death and resurrection fulfilled the glorious plan of redemption and His Kingship.

We anxiously await our perfect King of Kings to come again and rule endlessly with supreme power and perfect justice.

King of Kings Lord of Lords Bible Verse

We find three examples of the full title “King of kings and Lord of lords” to describe Jesus in the New Testament. 

●1Timothy 6:15-16:

“… The appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time- he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” ESV.

Even the most prestigious and intelligent governing human on earth is still but a speck when compared to our victorious King of kings!

●Revelation 17:14-

“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of Kings- and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers.”

Jesus is above all the kings on earth, and He will win this last battle against Satan.

●Revelation 19:16-

John has another vision, with Jesus not as a Lamb, but as a warrior on a white horse (which symbolizes victory.)

He comes as a Conqueror and King to execute judgement:

“On his robe and on his thigh, he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” 

Jesus will triumph and oust every king who reigns on earth, obliterating all their authority and taking it for Himself.

Daughter of the King

What do we do with this overwhelming evidence as Jesus as King? What difference should it make in our daily life?

We probably don’t give it much thought, but maybe we should!

We are Daughters of the King of kings– adopted and cherished Princesses whom He has given specific strengths and gifts. This identity gives us royal status but doesn’t put us on a throne.

It comes with responsibilities and blessings. He empowers us through the Holy Spirit to do the things He has planned for us.

Jesus deserves all our obedience, loyalty, honor, and praise. Making Him Lord and King of your life means accepting and yielding to His will and higher authority. 

It’s exactly what the Israelites chafed against. But it’s what we pledge when we pray the Lord’s prayer and say, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.

Our King lowered Himself to become a man and be crucified as an atonement for our sins. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy eternal life with Him forever.

Will you declare Him your King of Kings and allow Him to rule over your life? There is no fear in this submission because He loves you with an everlasting love and always has your best interests at heart!

He wants to be King of our minds (what we watch, read, and hear), our actions (choosing to live as He did), and our hearts (respond to Him and others with love.)

He wants us to come to Him first– for any help, need, guidance, or wisdom. 

Reflection Questions

Here are some reflection questions to help us fully embrace our spiritual inheritance as we struggle in a world that tries to pull us away from our King.

How does knowing you’re a daughter of the King shape your sense of worth and identity?

Who do you turn to first for the following: advice, goal setting, conflict resolution, managing priorities?

The wise men traveled thousands of miles to see the infant King. They were overjoyed to find Him; bringing gifts fit for a King. How does your response to our King compare?

Do our prayers contain more worship and praise to our King, or asking for the desires of our hearts?

What areas in our lives do we let our King have all authority and power? Where do we hold back?

How will you incorporate the knowledge of being a daughter of the King into your daily routine?

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” 2 Corinthians 6:18.

Royal Blessings!

AnnMarie

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.

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